“Everyone knows that guy who always smiles and calls you by name. I want to be that guy.” – Bruce McIntyre

I want to be that guy. You know him. He always takes time to listen, never jumps in. When you’re with him, you feel important. You matter with that guy.

Some are born that way, others need time. The saddest are those who never become that guy; even when they try.

I wasn’t born that guy. I’ve been given plenty of time. So if I want to join, I’ll need to get to changin’ – and here’s where I’ll start.

Smile more. When I smile, I look happy, and when I look happy, I feel happy. It’s then I can share with others. Smiling is contagious, just watch how that guy does it and soon you’ll be smiling along with him.

Say ‘Hello’ more. I’ll say hello and call you by name. If I don’t know you, I’ll still say hay. You can choose to stop, to talk, but maybe you won’t. It’s always your choice with that guy, he’ll never hold you up.

Take time to listen. I’ll work hard to listen to what you say, taking time to form an opinion. Then, if you like, I can share – just like that guy.

Learn your name. My name is important, we all feel the same. I’ll practice your name ’til it’s easily remembered to be like that guy.

Carry a pen and paper. My mind had more room when we were both younger, but now that it’s old, just like me, it’s all clogged-up with stuff. I’ll need to take notes if I want to be that guy. My notes will help me remember what we said and what I want to ask when we next meet, just like that guy.

That’s all there is to it. Now you have my five to start on the way to becoming that guy.

I’ll bet you know that guy as well as that gal, maybe several of each. Tell me about them and what they all share in common. Do they use these five? Maybe others?

As always, the conversation starts here.

“In the ordinary choices of every day we begin to change the direction of our lives.” – Eknath Easwaran